The
Indiana State Library on January 30 will officially launch
the Public Library eGovernment Costs and Broadband Survey.
Next week, all public libraries will receive data collection
tools to assist in preparation for this survey.

The purpose of this study is to better describe and
understand the costs, services, and benefits related to
public library provision of e-government services in
Indiana. Access to and use and delivery of government
materials and services through the public library continues
to expand at a rapid rate and public libraries are
developing a range of service roles related to e-government.
Ultimately the project will result in outcomes that assist
the Indiana State Library and public libraries to develop
and implement strategies for improved e-government services
and to leverage and better manage associated costs of public
library e-government service provision.

The study is lead by renowned broadband expert Dr. Charles
McClure of the Florida State University Information
Institute. McClure noted that this study will build on
previous e-government research that the Information
Institute has completed which are available at the
Information Institute website at www.ii.fsu.edu.
This project is made possible by an LSTA grant from the U.S.
Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by
the Indiana State Library.

The
Libri Foundation, a nationwide non-profit organization which
donates new, quality, hardcover children's books to small,
rural public libraries, has donated over $4,600,000 worth of
new children's books to more than 3,000 libraries in 49
states since 1990. This year, the Foundation is offering
“Books for Children” grants of up to $700 for rural
libraries. In an effort to encourage and reward local
support of libraries, the Libri Foundation will match any
amount of money raised by your local sponsors from $50 to
$350 on a 2-to-1 ratio. This could amount for up to $1,050
worth of new children's books. After a library receives a
grant, local sponsors (such as formal or informal Friends
groups, civic or social organizations, local businesses,
etc.) have four months, or longer if necessary, to raise
their matching funds.

Grantees will be able to select books from a booklist
provided by the Foundation. The 700-plus fiction and
nonfiction titles on the booklist reflect the very best of
children's literature published primarily in the last three
years. These award-winning titles for children ages 12 and
under have received starred reviews in library, literary, or
education journals. The booklist also includes a selection
of classic children's titles.

Libraries are qualified on an individual basis. In general,
county libraries should serve a population under 16,000 and
town libraries should serve a population under 10,000
(usually under 5,000). Libraries should be in a rural area
(generally 30 miles from a city with a population over
40,000), have a limited operating budget, and an active
children's department.

Application deadlines in 2012 for the “Books for Children”
grants are (postmarked by) January 23rd and May 15th.
Consider applying for a January grant if you want your books
in time for summer reading programming. Application
guidelines and forms may be downloaded from the Foundation's
website at
www.librifoundation.org. For more information about
the “Books for Children” program, contact Ms. Barbara J.
McKillip, President, The Libri Foundation, at 541-747-9655
or
libri@librifoundation.org.